#commercial interior signs

[philadelphiasigncompany]

Top 5 Reasons Why Your Office Lobby Needs Signage

our lobby is usually the first space customers walk into when they enter your business. A well-designed lobby is the first step to making a good impression on visitors and customers. But did you know that adding signage to your lobby can take it from good to great?

Office lobby signs are used to display your business name and logo. They perform several functions, from branding to giving directions and more. As one of the first things customers see, it’s crucial to have the right sign to make a positive first impression.

Let’s look at what custom lobby signs can do for your business.

Improve your overall aesthetics.

First impressions are important, so you want to make sure that your lobby looks its best. Adding signage can enhance the aesthetics of your lobby and make it more inviting for visitors.

Several sign options are perfect when you want simple yet sophisticated signage. Acrylic signs have a glass-like appearance that looks great anywhere. Metal lobby signs, on the other hand, make any space look chic and modern.

Office reception signs provide directional cues.

Are you located in a large building or complex? People may have trouble finding their way around. Signs can help provide directional guidance and make it easy for visitors to know where they’re going. This is especially important for those with disabilities who may need ADA-compliant signs.

Branding opportunities.

Your lobby is a great place to showcase your brand identity. Custom lobby signs can be used to display your company logo, tagline, or other branding elements. This is a great way to make a lasting impression on visitors and reinforce your brand identity.

At Sunrise Signs, we create customized signs that help showcase our brand. For instance, we can produce dimensional letters that match the exact font style of your logo. This helps ensure customers become aware of your brand the moment they enter your space.

Office lobby signs improve safety.

In some cases, signage can also enhance the safety of your lobby. This can be done by providing clear instructions on evacuations or other emergency procedures. This is especially important in high-traffic areas where there is a greater risk of accidents or injuries.

Improve communication.

Signs can also be used to improve communication in your lobby. They can be used to provide information about upcoming events, new products or services, or changes to hours of operation. This is a great way to keep visitors informed and up to date on what’s happening at your business.

Along with that is delivering information about company achievements and accolades. You can add signs that tell customers you are a company that they can rely on.

Get the Right Lobby Signs Today

Adding signage to your office lobby can have a variety of benefits, from improved aesthetics to enhanced safety. If you’re looking for ways to take your lobby from good to great, consider adding some well-designed signage today!

Source: https://www.sunrisesigns.com/our-blog/top-5-reasons-why-your-office-lobby-needs-signage

[heritagecustomsigns]

Best Commercial Interior Signs Raleigh NC

Our Veteran-Owned sign company installs custom interior signs and displays that transform spaces and amplify corporate interior branding in Raleigh, NC. Get more information: https://heritagecustomsigns.com/products/interior-signs-raleigh-nc.php

[amritokumar-seo-expert]

All Signs

Address: Hardwich House, Oldmedow Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4JJ

Phone: 01553 782594

Website: https://www.allsignsandprint.co.uk/

Services: Exterior Signs,Interior Signs, Commercial Signs, Van Wrapping,Fleet Graphics, Corporate DisplaysExterior Signs, Interior Signs,Commercial Signs, Van Wrapping, Fleet Graphics, Corporate Displays

An independent since 2009, we have worked with you to create a unique design to suit your business and budget before custom making and expertly fitting signage at your premises or wrapping your vehicle. We offer vehicle signage using our high-quality materials and vinyl on-site or at our King’s Lynn base. Our sign manufacturers are always on hand to design and print a sign or wrap you will be proud of; the end product will stand out.

[heritageprintingcharlotte]

Best Commercial Interior Signs Charlotte NC

Heritage Signs & Displays can design, print & install commercial interior signs & graphics to transform your office in Charlotte, Gastonia & Mooresville, NC. Get more information: https://heritageprintingcharlotte.com/products/interior-design-graphics.php

[moonchild033]

Astro Observations -5💃

Here we go with part-5!!! My schedule is getting hectic, I managed some time to make this finally 😭😭❤💫

(These observations are based on the whole sign system, sidereal charts and all obs are subject to change with other aspects in the chart, so don't conclude anything with a single placement) ❤

1. Mercury in Capricorn/Aquarius or in Saturn ruled stars- Could've got late admissions in educational institutions or had academic gaps or breaks. This could also be true if Saturn is in Gemini/Virgo or in mercury ruled stars.😌

2. Jupiter in 10H esp in fire/air signs- They could have the tendency to change jobs frequently, mostly because their interests are diverse or they like the concept of exploring, taking a long time to settle down.😊

3. Having same ascendant in both D1 & D3- The person will be courageous, they could get benefits and significant help from siblings. Their source of motivation in life could come from their friendships, a close knit of circle who always motivates them to move forward.💫

4. Virgo mercury - Can be prone to losing money in share market, due to online frauds etc. These ppl should be careful with their money. You could even lose it carelessly, like forgetting the money purse somewhere. 🤧

5. Jupiter in 7H for Gemini ascendant - Even though Jupiter is in own house in this placement, it can give late marriage to the person if it's alone in 7H or doesn't receive any aspects from other benefic planets.😇

6. More planets in Leo house in D2- You will attain wealth by your own hardwork and independently. This placement can also make the person to start earning earlier than their peers or simply have more earnings regardless of what age they started going to a job.💃

7. More planets in Cancer house in D2- You will be blessed with extravagant lifestyle and wealth after marriage. Your partner will play a significant role in determining your wealth---you could either have a joint bank account with your partner OR after their arrival in your life, you could've experienced significant rise in your salary.🤩

8. Mars-moon conjunction in D4- The property you buy in your name could be located near water sources or you can be inclined to buy agricultural lands or at least buy a commercial plot with a countryside environment. If it's in a water sign, you would buy properties in your name near coastal cities.💙

9. Ashlesha/Jyeshta/Revati Moons- No matter how manipulative or cold they might appear due to moon in mercury star, they can fall in love easily. Even if they're slow, they're as obsessive, deep and consuming as Scorpio moons when in love. Some ppl might have had obsessive crushes or a long relationship for years during school days itself.💖

10. Mars-Sun conjunction in D4- House in your name could be placed near government owned buildings or in a colony where many government officials reside. You might construct a house in warmer places (by temperature in surrounding) than the ones you grew up in.🌡

11. Cancer Venus in a woman's chart- Female friends can get jealous of them, after wedding, even the female family members of the groom could do so. It's because of their perfect embodiment of feminine self, it can make other underdeveloped females insecure. Might not be the case for everyone, just observed this in few.💜

12. Placements and the type of house construction/aesthetics you may like & build:

(This doesn't mean you will end up building your house like this for sure, these placements should make aspects to the 4H/4H lord, 4H shouldn't be afflicted, favorable mahadasha should come and many more other aspects, so take the below ones as a fun read!)

Venus in Taurus/Libra/Pisces- Lots of interior designing & unique architecture. They want their house to be very aesthetically pleasing and appreciated by others. They have a eye for beauty.😍

Rahu in 4H- House constructed in an extravagant manner, has many rooms🤭

Mercury-saturn conjunction - Likes building staircase inside the house and basements having those spiral steps like in the horror films lol.🤫

Aries Sun - Grand entrance, the main gate or the house door will be big both in terms of height and width. They could like adding glass elements that reflect light on top of house door or any architecture near that.💅

Jupiter-Saturn conjunction - Loves unique and high class wooden sculptures and furnitures. These could be the people who would import specific type of wood to make their study table hehe.💪

Taurus/Cancer Moon- Water flowing architecture inside the house. You may also be fond of having fish tanks. This placement along with taurus or libra venus can give (for ex.) unique statues and water flowing from it or glass floors and fish maintenance below it.🤪

Leo Moons- Most probably likes having their own swimming pool in their house, especially purva phalguni moons.😻

Mars-moon conjunction - Loves doing indoor gardening. Rahu in the mix can give technological advancements in this, like having hydroponics system or any specialized type of gardening.🌱

Venus-rahu conjunction - Prefers different colored lighting settings, can even have home theatre setups. They like aesthetic light works with multiple colors and all shiny at least in one room for recreation.✨

Venus-Mars conjunction - Highlights strong security systems. They could appoint a watchman or have CCTV cameras surrounding their house. Mars in rahu's star having this conjunction, they might have advanced touch or face recognition type of security systems.😼

Let's Learn and Grow Together!💋💅

With Love-Yashi ❤⚡

Masterlist 💖

[beautiful-despair]

𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓸 𝓸𝓯 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂

*The TV turns on to show a commercial. You see the silhouette of what you assume to be a beautiful woman, laying on her bed. She speaks to you in a calm and seductive tone.*

???: "Hello there, sweet little cubs of the wild~. Are you tired of your boring day to day life~? Do you feel burnout from a long stressful day of working retail~? Life kicking you in the ass and crotch at the same time~? Well then, allow me to give you the chance to find the perfect paradise for all your woes~." *The lovely maiden snaps her fingers as a lovely sign appears on screen.*

???: "Welcome to Club Despair, where our delightful remnants will do all that we can to help ease your woes~. We take your despair and, to put it in a simple way, convert it all into bliss and pleasure~. And no, it's not through sex, Making that clear now. We're not hookers. ಠ_ಠ" *The screen changes again to show the interior.*

???: "Stop on by and our lovely remnant hostesses will bring you a sense of calm, happiness, relaxation that we know you've long for~. Fufufufu~. Each girl has been training specifically for the sole purpose of making sure that your despair is a thing of the past. Feeling thirsty? Try our large selection of wine drinks that will give you a small buzz in your heart. Try out a wonderful selection of meals prepared by our expert cooking team in the kitchen, where your taste buds will drown in delightful bliss~. Fufufufu. We also have entertainment of the highest caliber and wonderful music of any genre that you may request~. Note that there is a voting system in place, so don't get upset when your pick isn't chosen. Deal with it." *the screen changes show a bunch of beautiful ladies standing across from one another as our mysterious speaker walks down the lane.* "I do hope that our little tour was enough to convince you to drop on by. We are so eager to meet you in person~. Until then, please remember our club's motto~. Tell 'em, girls.~"

Everyone: "Take delight in a Beautiful Despair~!" *They all blow a kiss at the screen while winking at said screen. A big heart appears and pops, showing you the phone number and location of the club. It does look pretty interesting to say the least. Why not check it out?*

@oddblogfullofoddmuses @ultimate-disinterest @the-aikido-master @hopeless-protagonist @ichi-peachy @notsobloody-wrenchs @atuas-artist @class-105 @ultimate-azure-assassin @hopeful-warriors @quiet-therapist @ask-ruruka-ando @dusty-attic-bedroom @pick-and-shovel-laborer @junko-enoshima-ii @photographic-misery @ask-ultimate-mortician @ask-the-ultimate-cosplayer @your-divine-priestess @mikado-sannoji @deadly-despair-gadgets @ask-oumeno @ask-the-otonokoji-twins @edens-garden-au @project-ultimate-children @perfect-bloodcovered-family @the-shy-pony @japanese-ultimateautism @doomed-despairs @gentle-lies @the-princess-of-despair @recovering-remnant @thehypnoticsnakedomain @hopeful-hopelessness @the-plushie-togami-sisters @ask-shsl-scribe @hopes-memorial @the-plainest-of-janes @ask-kuro-twins @smiles-and-scars @morals-and-florals @bloodstains-and-bloodsuckers @mercy-of-the-ashes

[uwmspeccoll]

Milestone Monday

The Morse Dry Dock Dial, 1921

New York Movie, 1939

Houses of Squam Light, 1923

Interior, 1925

Self Portrait, 1904

Cape Ann Granite, 1928

Night Windows, 1928

Jo Painting, 1936

Nighthawks, 1942

Cape Cod Morning, 1950

July 22nd marks the birthday of American realist painter and printmaker Edward Hopper (1882-1967). Born in Nyack, New York, Hopper took to art at a young age exploring shadows and shapes through charcoal drawings. By age ten, he started to sign and date his work and, with his parents' encouragement, spent his teen years delving into watercolor and oil painting. Declaring his professional interest in art, Hopper attended the New York School of Art and went on to become a renowned figure in American Realism.  

Like many before him, Hopper started his career in commercial illustration to pay the bills but by the late twenties he was supporting himself through showing and selling his paintings. Hopper’s work explores architectural American environments and intimate rural scenes through a lens of solitude. The dramatic moods of his paintings are created through his expertise in capturing light and shadow to convey the subtilties of human experience.  

In celebration of the day, we’re sharing Edward Hopper: a catalogue raisonné published in 1995 by Whitney Museum of American Art and edited by art historian Gail Levin (b. 1948). The three-volume catalog is a definitive work on Hopper featuring essays on the artist and hundreds of plates encompassing the entire scope of his career. Scholars will delight at the publication’s inclusion of bibliographic details including provenance and exhibition histories attributed to most pieces.  

Read other Milestone Monday posts here.

– Jenna, Special Collections Graduate Intern

[girlsdressingrooms]

Iris Barrel Apfel, Decorator and Fashion Stylist

(August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024) 

Ms. Apfel was one of the most vivacious personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles, and interior design, she has cultivated a personal style that is both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.

Her originality was typically revealed in her mixing of high and low fashions—Dior haute couture with flea market finds, nineteenth-century ecclesiastical vestments with Dolce & Gabbana lizard trousers.

With remarkable panache and discernment, she combines colors, textures, and patterns without regard to period, provenance, and, ultimately, aesthetic conventions. Paradoxically, her richly layered combinations—even at their most extreme and baroque—project a boldly graphic modernity.

Iris Barrel was born on Aug. 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, the only child of Samuel Barrel, who owned a glass and mirror business, and his Russian-born wife, Sadye, who owned a fashion boutique.

She studied art history at New York University, then qualified to teach and did so briefly in Wisconsin before fleeing back to New York to work on Women's Wear Daily, and for interior designer Elinor Johnson, decorating apartments for resale and honing her talent for sourcing rare items before opening her own design firm. She was also an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman.

As a distinguished collector and authority on antique fabrics, Iris Apfel has consulted on numerous restoration projects that include work at the White House that spanned nine presidencies from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.

Along with her husband, Carl, she founded Old World Weavers, an international textile manufacturing company and ran it until they retired in 1992. The Apfels specialized in the reproduction of fabrics from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and traveled to Europe twice a year in search of textiles they could not source in the United States.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute assembled 82 ensembles and 300 accessories from her personal collection in 2005 in a show about her called “Rara Avis”.

Almost overnight, Ms. Apfel became an international celebrity of pop fashion.

Ms. Apfel was seen in a television commercial for the French car DS 3, became the face of the Australian fashion brand Blue Illusion, and began a collaboration with the start-up WiseWear. A year later, Mattel created a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her image. Last year, she appeared in a beauty campaign for makeup with Ciaté London.

Six years after the Met show she started her fashion line "Rara Avis" with the Home Shopping Network.

She was cover girl of Dazed and Confused, among many other publications, window display artist at Bergdorf Goodman, designer and design consultant, then signed to IMG in 2019 as a model at age 97.

Ms. Iris Apfel became a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin in its Division of Textiles and Apparel, teaching about imagination, craft and tangible pleasures in a world of images.

 In 2018, she published “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon,” an autobiographical collection of musings, anecdotes and observations on life and style. 

Ms. Apfel’s apartments in New York and Palm Beach were full of furnishings and tchotchkes that might have come from a Luis Buñuel film: porcelain cats, plush toys, statuary, ornate vases, gilt mirrors, fake fruit, stuffed parrots, paintings by Velázquez and Jean-Baptiste Greuze, a mannequin on an ostrich.

The Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History in Boynton Beach, Florida, is designing a building that will house a dedicated gallery of Ms. Apfel's clothes, accessories, and furnishings.

Ms. Apfel’s work had a universal quality, It’s was a trend.

Rest in Power !

[the-paintrist]

Léon Choubrac - Alcazar d'Hiver - 1882

Léon Choubrac (17 November 1847 – 5 April 1885), who sometimes signed his drawings with Hope, was a French poster designer and illustrator based in Paris.

With his younger brother Alfred Choubrac, Léon was trained as a classical artist with the painters Charles Doërr and Isidore Pils at the École des Beaux Arts. The Choubrac brothers came very soon to the poster, practicing since 1875 the modern treatment of colors and typography, associated with images thanks to chromolithography.

In the early 1870s, the Choubrac brothers and Jules Chéret (known as "the father of the modern poster") reduced the cost of colour lithography introducing technical advances. Additionally, in 1881 restrictions on bill-posting (affichage) were lifted and eased state control of the media in France. In 1884, the Paris city council started to rent out surfaces belonging to the municipality, paving the way for a rapid increase in the production and distribution of advertising posters. Posters with clear colours and dashing images appeared all over town during the vibrant spirit of the Belle Époque.

Léon Choubrac drew some posters that higher authorities seized or torn down, amongst others one that showed a woman tortured in the presence of the Pope. Another poster, The secret loves of Pius IX, showed the portrait of Pope Pius IX below a series of portraits with heads of young women. The censor made him add a beard to the head of the Pope to disguise it. The poster nevertheless caused a scandal and was torn down by order of the French Minister of the Interior François Allain-Targé.

Léon and Alfred created the Ateliers Choubrac. As an illustrator, he sometimes collaborated with his brother in Gil Blas or the satirical weekly Le Courrier français, among others. Choubrac illustrated several works by Emile Zola. Although Leon died young (1885), his brother Alfred went on to produce an impressive number of posters for Parisian entertainers, theatres, businesses and various commercial products.

The poster collector Ernest Maindron, who wrote the first essay about the illustrated poster in the Gazette des Beaux-Arts in 1884, and later published the first book on the subject (Les Affiches Illustrees) in 1886, mentioned the Choubrac brothers, along with and Chéret, among the pioneers of the illustrated poster.

[gremlins-hotel]

After driving about 8-9 hours yesterday, man I had some thoughts.

Do you ever look at the names on the billboards and highway signs you pass by? The people of the small blink-and-you-miss towns that in the mind of a driver only seem to serve the purpose of breaking up the monotony of the road. Names that if you were to search them would most likely bring up no results except for an obituary and a grave marker. Who were they to those towns, who were they to their families and the people around them that wrote about them, what made them so beloved so as to rename the streets or have a sign made in their honor?

And as your tires eat away at the miles and the minutes do you ever gaze out at the roadside and wonder how it came to look that way? I can sit and know and tell myself that yes, Texas was once part of the seabed of the Western Interior Seaway, which split North America in two, and that is why we have so much limestone and why our elevation is so low. Why we have the Edwards Aquifer as we were molded into a bed of karst at the tail end of the Great Plains. But what specific current made it so that we were perfectly hilly as you reach the Edwards Plateau? And how goofy must we look as you go from the tall, straight pines and forests of the Eastern Woodlands to the yawning deserts several hours west, having to cross through every biome in between. What winds and rivers and floods and storms shaped my seabed home into the geographical crossroads that it now occupies?

Do you ever think too much on how that influenced the way people lived when they came to live in those places? In all of Texas’ rivers it brings the alluvial floodplains that would later feed crops, then commercial farms as the course of history took. The draws formed by rains and that were used to hunt bison that would also one day break hooves and ankles in the age of the cattle trails. Who knew mesquite had so many uses? And though so many of them lay still and dormant half the time, the fact that we have enough wind for people to sport the great twisting turbines in an effort to try and be green.

I know I’ve never gotten to really travel outside the United States but honestly I wonder how I could answer these same questions if I did. What would I find if I looked long and far? And even driving through my home country, they still stand. What of the ontogeny of the Appalachians? The windward caress of the Rockies that made the Pacific Northwest? The evidential meteor that may have influenced the Chesapeake?

[teddymoon06]

Close to the edge

Chapter Seven: Shadows and Reflections

The next morning arrived with a stark contrast to the previous day’s gloom. The sun peeked through the cracked windows, casting a warm glow over the safe house’s interior. Despite the promise of a fresh start, the weight of their situation hung heavily on Y/N’s shoulders. The reality of their journey ahead was an ever-present concern, and the uncertainty about what lay beyond the walls of their temporary refuge was both daunting and palpable.

Yeonghu was already up and preparing breakfast. His movements were purposeful and methodical, a sign of the steady resolve he carried despite the toll of their experiences. Alex was busy packing the last of their supplies, making sure everything was in order before they left the safe house.

Y/N rolled out of bed, stretching carefully to avoid aggravating her sore leg. The pain had lessened, but it still reminded her of the constant struggle they faced. She joined Yeonghu at the small table where he was setting out the remnants of their breakfast.

“Morning,” Y/N said, her voice still rough from sleep. She took a seat at the table, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face as she looked around the small room.

“Morning,” Yeonghu replied with a tired smile. “We’re almost ready to move out. Just need to finalize a few things.”

Y/N nodded, taking in the sight of the supplies and equipment scattered around. The safe house had served its purpose well, but it was clear that their time here was coming to an end. The road ahead was uncertain, but they had to keep moving.

Alex joined them with a cup of coffee for Y/N, a small gesture that spoke volumes about their consideration. “We’re set to go. I’ll lead the way to the next location on the map. It’s a bit of a trek, but it should be worth it.”

Yeonghu glanced at the map again, the sense of determination in his eyes. “Let’s review the plan one more time before we head out. We need to be prepared for anything.”

The plan was straightforward: they would leave the safe house and make their way to a new location that Alex had marked on the map. It was a slightly safer area, but still within the city, and they hoped it would provide another temporary refuge while they continued their search for a more permanent solution.

After a final check of their supplies, they gathered their gear and prepared to leave. The safe house, though modest, had provided a brief respite from the dangers of the outside world. As they stepped out into the morning light, the city greeted them with its usual desolation, a stark reminder of the world they now inhabited.

The journey began with a renewed sense of purpose. Alex led the way, navigating through the labyrinthine streets with practiced ease. The city, though still a dangerous place, felt somewhat familiar under Alex’s guidance. The areas they traversed were a mix of residential and commercial, their abandoned storefronts and empty homes a testament to the chaos that had once engulfed them.

As they walked, Y/N found herself reflecting on their situation. The weight of their loss and the uncertainty of their future were ever-present, but there was a sense of resilience that had emerged from their shared struggles. Each step forward was a testament to their determination and their ability to adapt to the new world they faced.

Yeonghu walked beside Y/N, his gaze vigilant as he scanned the surroundings. “We’ve come a long way,” he said, his voice low but steady. “Despite everything, we’re still here.”

Y/N nodded, appreciating his words. “Yeah. And we’re not giving up. We’ll keep moving forward, no matter what.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden noise—a distant commotion that set their nerves on edge. Alex immediately halted, signaling for them to stay low and take cover behind a nearby wall. The noise grew louder, and they could hear the unmistakable sounds of shuffling footsteps and distant growls.

Yeonghu’s expression tightened with concern. “Sounds like we’re not alone. We need to be careful.”

Alex nodded in agreement, their face grim. “We’ll wait here until the noise dies down. If there’s trouble, we need to be ready to move quickly.”

They huddled behind the wall, their senses heightened as they waited for the commotion to subside. The sounds continued for what felt like an eternity, a constant reminder of the ever-present danger lurking in the city.

Eventually, the noise began to fade, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Alex signaled for them to move, and they carefully emerged from their cover. The streets were clear, but the tension remained. It was a reminder of how unpredictable their environment could be, and the importance of staying vigilant.

The rest of the day passed with a mix of cautious optimism and constant vigilance. They continued their journey through the city, navigating the abandoned streets and checking their surroundings frequently. The route was relatively uneventful, with only occasional signs of life—or rather, unlife—in the distance.

By late afternoon, they arrived at a small, nondescript building that Alex had indicated on the map. It was a former office space, now repurposed as a makeshift shelter by others who had come through before them. The building was less secure than the safe house but still offered a degree of protection.

Alex led them inside, their expression showing a mix of relief and concern. “This place should offer us some protection for the night. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from being out in the open.”

They settled into the building, taking stock of their new surroundings. The space was sparse but functional, with a few makeshift beds and a small stash of supplies left by previous occupants. It wasn’t as well-organized as the safe house, but it provided a temporary refuge.

As they unpacked and made themselves comfortable, Y/N found herself reflecting on their journey. The challenges they had faced and the dangers they had encountered were constant reminders of the harsh reality they lived in. But amidst the uncertainty, there was a sense of camaraderie and resilience that had emerged.

Yeonghu and Alex worked together to organize the supplies and secure the building. Y/N took a moment to herself, sitting by a small window and gazing out at the desolate cityscape. The world outside was a stark reminder of what they had lost, but it also served as a reminder of what they were fighting to protect.

As night fell, they gathered for a brief meal, the dim light of the building creating a somber but comforting atmosphere. The conversation was subdued, focused on practical matters and the plans for the coming days.

Y/N looked around at her companions, feeling a sense of gratitude for their presence. Despite the dangers and the uncertainties, they had managed to find moments of solace and support. It was these small victories that kept them moving forward.

As they prepared for the night, Y/N lay down on one of the makeshift beds, her mind still racing with thoughts of their journey and the challenges that lay ahead. Sleep came fitfully, her dreams a mix of fragments from her past and the uncertain future.

The night passed slowly, each creak and distant noise a reminder of the dangers that lurked outside. But within the walls of their temporary refuge, there was a brief sense of safety and hope.

In the morning, they would continue their journey, facing whatever challenges came their way. But for now, they had found a small measure of peace amidst the chaos, a reminder that, despite everything, they were still moving forward—together.

The morning light filtered through the grimy windows of the office building, casting a soft glow over the room. The harsh realities of their world had not softened, but the new day brought with it a glimmer of hope and a sense of renewed determination.

Y/N awoke to the faint sound of movement. She stretched slowly, the soreness in her leg a persistent reminder of their recent struggles. Despite the discomfort, she felt a quiet resolve. They had made it through another night, and that was something to build on.

Yeonghu and Alex were already up and going through their morning routine. Yeonghu was checking their supplies, ensuring everything was in order for their continued journey. Alex was preparing a simple breakfast, their movements efficient and practiced.

“Morning,” Y/N said as she joined them at the small table. Her voice was still groggy, but there was an undercurrent of determination in her tone.

“Morning,” Alex replied, offering her a cup of coffee. “We’re going to need all the energy we can get. Today’s going to be a long one.”

Yeonghu nodded in agreement, his focus on a map spread out on the table. “We’ve got a few options for where to head next. We need to decide on our route and make sure we’re prepared for anything.”

Y/N took a seat, taking a sip of the coffee. The warmth was a small comfort amidst the uncertainty. “What are the options?”

Alex leaned over the map, pointing to several locations. “We’ve got a few potential routes. There’s a residential area not too far from here that might offer better shelter, but it’s a bit of a detour. Alternatively, we can head towards an industrial zone where there might be more resources, but it’s riskier.”

Yeonghu considered the options, his brow furrowed in concentration. “The residential area could be safer, but it’s further away. The industrial zone might provide more supplies but could be more dangerous.”

Y/N looked at the map, trying to weigh the pros and cons. “I think we should prioritize safety for now. We’re still recovering, and the last thing we need is to push too hard and end up in a more precarious situation.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “We’ll go with the residential area. It might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s worth the risk.”

They spent the morning preparing for their journey, gathering supplies and ensuring they had everything they needed. The office building had provided them with a brief respite, but it was clear that their next move was crucial.

As they set out, the city outside felt both familiar and alien. The streets were quiet, the desolation a stark reminder of the world they now inhabited. Their route took them through a series of abandoned neighborhoods, each one more eerily silent than the last.

The walk was long and arduous, with the constant need to stay vigilant. The residential area they were heading towards was a mix of partially collapsed buildings and overgrown lots. It was clear that others had passed through here before, but it was relatively quiet compared to other parts of the city.

Around midday, they reached a small, fortified building that looked like it had been used as a temporary shelter by others. It was modest but appeared to be in better condition than many of the buildings they had passed.

“This looks promising,” Alex said, surveying the area. “Let’s check it out.”

They approached the building cautiously, Yeonghu leading the way with his weapon at the ready. The exterior showed signs of previous occupants—a makeshift barricade, a few discarded items—but it seemed relatively secure.

Yeonghu examined the barricade, noting its construction. “It looks like it’s been used recently, but it’s still holding up. We should be able to use it as a base for now.”

They carefully entered the building, taking note of its condition. The interior was sparse but functional, with a few pieces of furniture and basic supplies left behind. It was clear that it had been a temporary refuge, but it offered a degree of safety.

As they settled in, Y/N took a moment to explore the building. There was a small, clean room at the back that looked like it could be used for sleeping. She started to unpack some of their supplies, arranging them in a makeshift storage area.

Yeonghu and Alex went about securing the building and setting up a perimeter. They worked efficiently, their movements a well-practiced routine. The sense of purpose and teamwork was evident, a small but significant source of comfort amidst the chaos.

Later in the afternoon, as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, they gathered to discuss their plans. The new location provided a temporary haven, but they needed to ensure they were prepared for any potential threats.

“We’re safe for now, but we can’t afford to let our guard down,” Yeonghu said as he reviewed their supplies. “We need to be ready for anything that comes our way.”

Alex nodded, their face serious. “We’ll need to establish a watch schedule and keep an eye on the surrounding area. This place might be secure, but the city is unpredictable.”

Y/N joined them at the table, her leg propped up as she rested. “We should also think about our long-term plans. This place is a good stop, but we need to keep looking for a more permanent solution.”

Yeonghu agreed. “Absolutely. We need to stay focused and adaptable. The next steps will be crucial.”

As night fell, they prepared for a quiet evening. The building was secure, and the immediate threat seemed to be at bay. They shared a simple meal, the conversation focused on practical matters and the next steps in their journey.

The quiet of the evening provided a brief moment of normalcy. Y/N found herself reflecting on their journey, the challenges they had faced, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. The world outside remained a constant reminder of their struggles, but within the walls of their temporary refuge, there was a sense of hope and resilience.

As they settled in for the night, Y/N found a moment of solitude. She sat by a small window, gazing out at the cityscape bathed in the soft light of the moon. The world outside was a mix of shadows and silence, a stark contrast to the life they had known.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N found a sense of calm amidst the chaos. The road ahead was uncertain, but as long as they faced it together, there was hope. The challenges they faced were daunting, but their resolve and camaraderie provided a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.

As she lay down to rest, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the quiet. The journey was far from over, but the small victories and the support of her companions offered a sense of purpose and determination. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a fleeting sense of peace and hope.

The night passed uneventfully, and Y/N awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows. The quiet of the building provided a stark contrast to the chaotic world outside. Despite the comfort of their temporary refuge, the uncertainty of their situation lingered like a shadow.

Yeonghu and Alex were already up and preparing for the day. The familiar routine of checking supplies and discussing plans provided a sense of stability amidst the instability of their world.

“Morning,” Yeonghu greeted Y/N as she emerged from her makeshift bed. “We’re going to need to make sure everything is secure before we move on.”

Alex was at the small table, carefully packing away the remaining supplies. “We should take a quick inventory and ensure we have everything we need for our next leg of the journey. We’ll also need to consider our route and any potential risks.”

Y/N nodded, stretching her limbs and taking a moment to wake fully. “I’ll help with the inventory. It’s important to keep track of what we have.”

They spent the next hour going through their supplies, making sure everything was in order. The process was methodical but necessary. Each item was checked and cataloged, and they made a list of what they needed to restock.

With their inventory complete, they gathered around the table to discuss their plans. The day was clear, and the city outside seemed calm, but they knew that appearances could be deceiving.

“The residential area we’re in is relatively safe for now,” Alex said, pointing to the map. “But we should consider our next move. There’s a potential route through a park area that might offer better shelter and resources.”

Yeonghu studied the map carefully. “The park could be a good option. It’s further from the more dangerous parts of the city and might provide some natural cover. But we need to be prepared for any potential threats.”

Y/N added her thoughts, her mind still processing their options. “It might also be worth checking for any nearby safe zones or communities. If we can find a more established place, it could provide more long-term security.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “That’s a good idea. We’ll need to keep our options open and stay flexible.”

After finalizing their plan, they prepared to leave the building. The sense of urgency was palpable as they gathered their belongings and ensured everything was in order. The city outside awaited them, a stark reminder of the world they now lived in.

The journey to the park area was uneventful but tense. The streets were quiet, the occasional distant noise a reminder of the ever-present danger. They moved cautiously, their senses alert for any signs of trouble.

As they approached the park, the contrast to the surrounding city was striking. The park was overgrown but still held a semblance of its former self. The trees and greenery provided natural cover, and there were a few structures that might offer shelter.

“This could be a good place to set up for a while,” Yeonghu said, surveying the area. “The natural cover and open space provide both advantages and risks.”

Alex agreed, their gaze scanning the park for potential threats. “Let’s explore the area and see if we can find a suitable location. We’ll need to be cautious and check for any signs of other occupants.”

They carefully made their way through the park, checking the surrounding area for any potential dangers. The park was eerily quiet, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The overgrown vegetation provided a sense of concealment, but it also made it difficult to see far ahead.

As they explored, they came across an old, dilapidated building that seemed to have been used as a maintenance shed. It was partially intact and offered some shelter from the elements. The building was in better condition than many of the other structures they had seen.

“This might work,” Alex said, inspecting the building. “It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. We can use it as a base and make it more secure.”

Yeonghu nodded in agreement. “We’ll need to fortify it and clear out any debris or potential hazards. But it’s a good find.”

They set to work, making the building as secure as possible. Yeonghu and Alex worked on reinforcing the entrances and windows, while Y/N took on the task of clearing out the interior and organizing their supplies.

As the day wore on, their efforts began to pay off. The building started to take shape as a temporary refuge, offering a sense of security amidst the uncertainty. The natural cover of the park provided an additional layer of protection, though they remained vigilant for any potential threats.

By evening, the building was reasonably secure, and they gathered to discuss their plans for the coming days. The park offered a temporary haven, but they knew they couldn’t afford to become complacent.

“We’ve made good progress today,” Alex said, their tone thoughtful. “The park gives us a chance to regroup and plan our next steps. We need to stay alert and keep an eye on the surrounding area.”

Yeonghu agreed, his expression serious. “We’ll need to establish a watch schedule and keep the perimeter secure. The park offers some safety, but we can’t let our guard down.”

Y/N took a moment to reflect on their progress. The challenges they had faced and the dangers that lay ahead were daunting, but there was a sense of resilience and hope that had emerged from their shared struggles.

As night fell, they settled into their temporary refuge. The building, though modest, provided a sense of comfort and safety. The quiet of the park was a stark contrast to the chaos of the city, offering a brief moment of peace.

They shared a simple meal, the conversation focused on practical matters and their plans for the coming days. The camaraderie and support of her companions provided a small but significant source of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

As Y/N lay down for the night, she found a moment of solitude. The park outside was bathed in the soft light of the moon, the darkness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. The world outside was a mix of shadows and silence, a reminder of the challenges they faced.

In the stillness of the night, Y/N closed her eyes and embraced the quiet. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but the small victories and the support of her companions offered a glimmer of hope. For now, amidst the shadows and reflections of their world, there was a fleeting sense of peace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Next | Previous

[cityof2morrow]

Bella Brand: Intro + Mesh Set 001

Published: 11-6-2023 | Updated: 11-20-2023 (collection file) SUMMARY “Apart from being the most famous alien abductee in the simsverse, Bella Goth (nee’ Bachelor) is a big name in residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. She even has a history in television—or was that a clone? The Bella Brand Series brings some of these stories to life in the Sims 2 via new downloadable content.” I had the pleasure of learning and creating alongside several talented gamers/artists for this installment of the Bella Brand Series. Inspired by the wealth of Bella Goth lore from the Sims/SimCity franchises (aka the “simsverse”), it includes more than a dozen sets and 230+ new business-themed items. Lore suggests that the wealth/influence of the Gilman, Crumplebottom, Bachelor, and Goth families increases considerably under Mortimer and Bella Goth, especially the latter. So, this series imagines what a prestigious Bella-based brand might look like…

DETAILS Requires ALL EPs/SPs. Mesh Set 001 (2023) contains essential items/recolors for all upcoming sets in this installment of the series. You need this set and the Display Counter (BellasSecret_Counter_Somedaythesun)from TS2 Maxis Match Lingerie Store Set (SomedayTheSun, 2023) for all textures to display correctly in-game. The counter uses recolors from the Bosenklavier Model B grand piano (Bon Voyage EP). Find recolors for the counter interior in the Bella Brand: Retail Floor Set (Simmons, 2023).

Recolors may include swatches for items in other Bella Brand sets such as signs, packages, cosmetics, etc. Objects in Sims 2 are limited to two recolorable parts, so not all items are recolorable in the same way. Find additional recolors for Bella Brand sets on this site under #ts2recolors, #co2recolors, and #co2bellabrand.

ITEMS Almost all items in this series will have a relatively low poly count, but a few objects are MID/HIGH poly. Avoid placing too many of these items on a busy lot at once if you need to conserve memory, or if your game is vulnerable to pink flashing. None of the high-poly items are essential. Bella Fantasy Column (696 poly) Bella’s Secret Sign Stand (244 poly) Bella Intellawear: The Singlet (1144 poly) Blackfyre: A Simple Bust in Glass (608 poly) Bella Park Mannequin 001 (560 poly) Bella’s Cosmetic Deco 001-002 (440 poly)

DOWNLOAD (choose one) MESH PACK from SFS | from MEGA COLLECTION FILE from MEGA *A known game bug may disable some shelf slots. If you cannot access more than 2 slots on the hosiery/lingerie racks (the ones with 4 or 6 bars), download ONE these fixes: MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves (Numenor, 2006) MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves+LOCKEDTILES (Numenor, 2006) Object Freedom 1.02 (Fway, 2023)

CREDITS No copyright infringement intended. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. CCA = Creative Commons Attribution. Thanks: @catherinetcjd, @gayars, @gummilutt, @haziewhims, @kashmiresims (Rach’), @somedaythesun, whoward, Easy Shine Removal Kit (PF Forest, 2023), Reducing GUIDs/OBJs Tutorial (HugeLunatic, 2022), Sketchfab and Blender Communities. Sources: SEE CREDITS (ALT).

[cecilysass]

Pause (2/11)

Read on AO3 | Tagging @today-in-fic

Chapter 2: Back in the Atmosphere

The drive to Alexandria is so second nature to her that she’s determined to watch out for changes, hints that might suggest how much time has passed. She scans her surroundings as she drives, her head darting left to right to see everything.

She notices a new, neon-bright exterior to a bar in Georgetown, as conspicuous as a tropical fish. On M Street there's a bike rental shop that she doesn't recognize. The bridge itself, the waters of the Potomac, the stone-lined George Washington Memorial parkway: these all look the same to her. Of course, it’s dark out, so she is limited by what she can see in the overlapping circles of streetlights.

A small billboard advertising a top 40 radio station catches her attention, but she can’t be sure whether that was there before. It’s amazing how much of one’s surroundings one doesn’t notice in everyday life, she thinks. However, the sign makes her realize she could give the radio a try.

Yes. She should turn on the car radio.

She fiddles with the console and tries a public radio station first, thinking there might be news of the day playing that could provide a date or other clues. That station seems to be running some kind of evening documentary program on the history of the Vietnam War memorial. Scully turns it up to listen more closely: “…and wanted to make something that allowed people to remember, but wanted to serve as a visual reminder that the dead did not come back.” It’s an account of events from years ago: not especially helpful now.

She hits scan, moving through the ripping static noises to other stations, listening for a moment to each one. Classic rock. Latin. A commercial for car insurance.

She remembers the call number of the top 40 station from the billboard, and she tunes into that, her eyes periodically darting back up to the road.

“…You’re listening to Washington’s hit music station, Z104.”

The deejay’s patter seems like it might reveal promising information. She turns it up, but the deejay quickly transitions into music. It’s some sentimental pop ballad with piano.

She sighs. It shouldn’t be so difficult to find out what the date is, should it?

Scully turns her attention to the song. It’s completely unfamiliar to her, but it’s not like it’s entirely unusual for her to fail to recognize pop music. On the other hand, she did have the impression that teen music was edgier than this. This song seems very soft. She remembers those teenagers in Oklahoma, that lightning case, the kind of angst-ridden, angry music they liked. Their music reminded her a little of the punk music she admired in high school.

The male singer of the ballad on the radio is very emotional. As she drives into Alexandria, she listens, with mild curiosity, to the lyrics. He seems to be posing questions to a woman returning from a long, otherworldly absence.

Tell me, he challenges her. Did you sail across the sun? Did Venus blow your mind? Did you see that heaven is overrated? Did you miss me when you were looking for yourself out there?

A chill again trickles through her, running down her limbs.

Did you fall from a shooting star?

No. She doesn’t like this song. Her heart has begun thumping again, so loudly she hears it in her head. She turns off the radio.

What she needs more than any half-ass clue hunting, more than this nerve-wracking guessing game, is to find her partner. He will tell her whatever she needs to know. She doesn’t need to deduce it from radio stations.

That sounds enough like common sense to calm her down.

Hegal Place and his apartment building don’t look any different to her, thank God. The interior still has that musty historical smell, with a dash of insecticide and Pine Sol. The numbers on the elevator buttons are still mostly worn off; the lighting in the halls is still tinged amber and curiously dim.

She moves quickly down his hallway, but hesitates at the spot where she remembers last speaking to him. When he was cupping her head with such tenderness. When he was leaning in with the most desperate, longing expression on his face. How long ago was that? she wonders? What happened next?

She examines the floor for evidence that she had landed there, unconscious, felled by a sting. But there is nothing to see there but dingy beige tile, worn and scuffed by too much foot traffic.

Scully swallows. She walks, determined, to #42 —and then stands there just staring at the closed door. Taking a fortifying breath. Steeling herself for the worst.

If it isn’t him, if he doesn’t live here any more, well, she’s going to be upset, but she’ll just go to the Hoover building next. It will be okay. She will be okay. She’ll figure it out. She can still find Mulder.

That’s all perfectly logical, and she’s aware of that. But she isn’t operating on pure logic here. Her heart just wants him to be here, in his pajamas, arms open, ready to order her some takeout. Please let him be here, she thinks, little tears springing in her eyes. Please let it be Mulder.

She knocks on the door. And waits, listening for any noise inside.

And then she tries again.

There is no response. She bites her lip, hoping she’ll still hear him any moment. What time it is shouldn’t matter. There’s no time of night that Mulder wouldn’t wake up hearing knocking on his door.

After a moment’s hesitation, she reaches into her pocket, fumbling a little, and she produces his key. All right. If it’s not his apartment, it won’t fit. And then she will know.

She notices the sound of her own shallow breathing as she pushes the key in.

It slides into the lock perfectly, same as it always has.

Scully presses her eyes closed and releases a long sigh. She turns the key, unlocks it, and pushes open his door.

The space inside is lit only by the mottled green glow of the fish tank, but she’s greeted by the unmistakable sight of Mulder’s familiar apartment. The couch. The patterned Navajo blanket. The art on the walls. She would know it anywhere. It’s as familiar as any place on earth to her.

Her knees almost buckle from relief. Whatever else happens, she is safe now, and at least has a place to sleep tonight. Not her own home, but nearly as close as she can imagine.

“Mulder?” she calls. “Hello?”

There's no answer, and the silence unnerves her. She flips on a switch, and the room is illuminated. She takes some tentative steps inside.

His place is very messy, even for Mulder. There are several meals’ worth of dirty dishes stacked on the coffee table, which isn’t typical for him. Papers and files are strewn over the desk, spilling haphazardly onto the floor. This paper chaos is more typical for him, although it seems especially out of hand.

She picks up a fast food wrapper off the floor and glances at some of the papers on his desk, which seem to be a mix of bills and old article clippings. Is he out of town? Or is he just out for the night, chasing down a source? She wonders why it’s gotten so messy.

The phone on his desk is peeking out from under a newspaper, but she's relieved to see it. Immediately she picks it up and dials his cell number. It goes straight to voicemail. She hangs it up and sighs heavily, standing still a moment. Taking in the information around her.

Where are you, Mulder?

She wanders into the kitchen. The clock over his stove top says 11:38, which answers one of her questions, although hardly the most important.

The kitchen is also in unhygienic disarray, with a heap of unwashed dishes resting in the sink, as though he hasn’t been bothered with them in quite some time. The garbage can is overflowing, to-go containers piled precariously on top. She crumples up the fast food wrapper and sticks it in the side of the can as best she can.

The room doesn’t smell particularly good, and this turns her already-vulnerable stomach. What’s more, Scully doesn’t like what she sees here. Not any of this. It sets her on edge.

Mulder often comes across as disorganized and scattered, but he isn’t dirty. He can actually be oddly fastidious, sometimes even more than her about select topics. She has never seen dirty dishes piling up in his kitchen before.

“Mulder?” she calls out again, more loudly, her voice a little shrill. She doesn’t know why she’s calling his name when it’s clear he’s not here.

She decides to look in his refrigerator for evidence he’s been here recently, and she braces herself for seeing and smelling a landscape of rotting food. Holding her breath, she throws open the door of the fridge quickly.

Much to her relief, it’s inoffensive. There’s very little inside, in fact—except a glass pan of lasagna covered in plastic wrap with a single square cut out. She slides the pan out a little to look at it, and sees a note taped to the top of the plastic.

Her breath catches.

The note is on familiar stationary, yellow paper decorated with little sunshines and daisies. The note has two sentences written in precise cursive in blue pen: “Please eat at least half this time. I’ll check when I come back for the pan on Sunday. -M”

The word “half” is underlined three times. It’s unquestionably her mother’s handwriting.

Scully slides it back into the fridge and closes the door.

She thinks about the last time her mother and Mulder took care of one another. She thinks about how this might relate to her memory problems— what Mulder would call “lost time.”

Did you sail across the sun? Did Venus blow your mind?

No. She is not ready to face this possibility. Not again. She feels tears prickling the corners of her eyes.

No. Absolutely not.

She turns to the sink and looks around for Mulder’s dish soap and sponge.

With grim determination she begins to work on his pile of dirty dishes, holding her breath against the smell. The hot water scalds her hands, but strangely, she finds the sensation not unpleasant.

The soap and water makes her left hand sting a little, and she considers again the cut there. It’s deeper than she first realized. She chooses to ignore it.

Because that’s what she’s doing right now. She’s ignoring things. And doing dishes.

Once she finishes the dishes in the sink, she goes into the living room and scoops up the dirty dishes off of his coffee table, and takes them into the sink next. It gives her a reassuring sense of control. At least Mulder’s goddamn dish problem is in hand.

When she’s done with that, she has created so many clean dishes they don’t even fit in his drying rack, so she spreads out some dish towels on his countertop and lets them rest there to dry out, too. She’ll get his help to put them all up later. Hopefully.

Next she finds his garbage bags, and she empties his overflowing garbage, carrying it down the hall of his building to the garbage chute, holding it out away from her body so she can’t smell it.

She returns to his kitchen to wash her hands. As she stands surveying her good work, she realizes she is starving.

Well. She knows there’s at least one thing to eat, and she trusts her mom’s cooking.

She pulls out her mother’s lasagna from the fridge, uncovers it, and slices herself off a giant slab of lasagna, much bigger than the tiny piece Mulder had apparently previously cut for himself. She places it on a freshly clean plate and heats it, watching it in the microwave.

I’m sorry, Mom, she thinks. No doubt Mulder should be taking your sensible food advice and eating this, but your daughter needs food, too.

It comes out of the microwave appealingly gooey and bubbly. Her stomach rumbles, and she wonders again when she last ate.

She finds a clean fork and takes an eager bite, humming in immediate satisfaction as she stands there clutching the plate. Her mother’s lasagna. Ground sausage and ricotta, a smidge of basil and garlic, generous mozzarella. It tastes like childhood, nourishing and wholesome. Scully feels suddenly desperate with the need to see her mother. Soon, she promises herself. After she talks to Mulder.

She decides not to sit down to eat, feeling too antsy. Instead, she walks around curiously as she shovels hungry forkfuls from her plate to her mouth. She peers at the detritus around the apartment for any hint of what might be happening.

On his kitchen table she leans over to stare closely at a pair of glasses Mulder has left sitting precariously close to the edge, deciding they are the same pair he always wore. Next to his computer, she tries to read the content of a receipt sitting out prominently, but the type is smeared.

She notices the door to his bedroom is cracked open, which surprises her. Normally he uses his bedroom as some kind of disastrous storage facility, with boxes of files he doesn’t keep at the office for whatever reason. As well as, no doubt, an impressive treasure trove of his pornography.

Hands full of her plate and fork, she nudges the door with her toe. To her surprise, it falls open easily. She sticks her head inside — and then lowers the plate, her eyes widening.

His bedroom is a normal bedroom. Cluttered, yes. Unmade bed. Clothes on the floor. But a normal bedroom, with a queen-sized bed.

She takes a step inside the room, aware that she is definitely snooping now. It’s always struck her as profoundly strange and sad that Mulder didn’t have a dedicated place to sleep. Or, if she’s being honest, to have sex. She isn’t sure how she feels to know that something about his life has changed this much. It should make her glad for him, but it also makes her uneasy.

She’s afraid to look too closely at the reading material piled around on the dresser and bedside table, but even a quick perfunctory glance tells her it’s not porn. A more systematic sweep of the room and she doesn’t see any of his magazines, actually, and that surprises her, too.

His bed is tousled and looks like it hasn’t been made for days, weeks, maybe ever. His pillow is slightly indented, and Scully has a very powerful impulse to go press her face down upon it, to inhale his scent, so familiar from routinely working in his aura: in motel rooms, in cars, on sojourns in the woods. From when they hold each other close after they’ve almost lost each other. The thought immediately embarrasses her. She should walk right out of this room right now. It’s not her business to be in here.

But her eye is caught by something vivid green laying on his bed, near his pillow but slightly obscured by a fold in his comforter. She takes a few steps forward to see it more clearly, resisting the urge to go pick it up.

She can see it now. It’s a sweater, a very small green sweater. She can make out its basic silhouette quite clearly. Way too small to be Mulder’s. Too small to be most men’s, truthfully, and cut rather slim.

She stands there unmoving, gripping the plate of her mother’s lasagna tightly, mouth gaping a little in disbelief, trying to take in the sight of that unfamiliar woman’s sweater on her partner’s bed.

Maybe this is the reason for the bedroom. Maybe he has a girlfriend. Maybe that’s where he is right now, somewhere out with his girlfriend. Maybe at his girlfriend’s apartment.

It gives Scully a sickening, vertigo feeling, like she possibly could throw up the lasagna. Is nothing what she expects now? Can she depend on anything? Does she even know this person — Mulder with a girlfriend? Is he the same man, the man she trusts and needs right now?

Immediately she shakes her head at herself in disgust. She’s being ridiculous; she knows she is. Mulder with a girlfriend is probably the same partner to her as Mulder without a girlfriend. Why shouldn’t he be? There’s no reason to feel so devastated, so empty. Mulder isn’t her boyfriend. He never has been.

It’s just that so much of this is not what she remembers. What she most clearly remembers, in fact, is him trying to kiss her. But that was one little moment, one tiny blip in time, and she doesn’t even know what happened after that.

She rotates around the bedroom, her eyes scanning his work shirts strewn on the floor. Truthfully, besides the sweater, nothing in the state of this apartment especially suggests to her a happy Mulder with a girlfriend.

Actually, there’s nothing that seems clear here at all. Nothing that adds up to a straightforward picture. It’s all contradictory and disorienting. She releases a quiet sigh.

She’s only eaten about half, but the lasagna has lost its appeal. She looks down at the plate wrinkling her forehead, deciding to throw it out. This thought process is interrupted when his phone begins ringing.

She follows the sound of the ring back into his living room, considering for a moment whether to pick it up. Probably not the wisest idea, given everything she doesn’t understand here. Before she talks to anyone else, she wants to talk to Mulder.

Sitting carefully on his couch, setting her plate on the coffee table, she listens to the rings, letting his machine pick up. His message is exactly the same message she has heard a thousand times, which makes her want to weep.

After the beep, the caller’s message begins. “Hey, Mulder.”

It’s Byers. Scully straightens up, alert.

“We’re just calling to make sure you…got home okay. Because you, uh, seemed a little off. It’s about 12:45 now, so it seems like you should be there by now…but perhaps you made another stop. Or something. Well. Just call when you get this.”

There is a scuffling sound, and then Frohike’s voice: “We worry, my friend. Please let us know you’re home okay. No more scares.” Beep.

Scully stares at the machine, processing this new information.

No more scares.

Seemed a little off.

Should be there by now.

She leans her head back on the leather of his couch, drained. She wonders if she should call the Gunmen back and try to extract more information from them. They could at least answer her most basic questions. Had Mulder been at their place? Where might he have gone from there? Should she be looking for him? What “scares?” Oh, and what year is it? And as far as they know, has she been anywhere unusual as of late?

Her eyes fall closed, and she is suddenly so unbelievably tired.

I could easily fall asleep, she realizes in surprise. Which seems preposterous, given the circumstances, the countless unanswered questions. But it’s just all so overwhelming, so impossible to parse. Her body and mind seem to have given up on her.

For a moment she lets herself drift, her limbs going slack.

The sound of a key scraping in the door startles her awake.

[mightyflamethrower]

This post updates the financial troubles of Denmark’s Ørsted, recent BOEM auctions, and pushback against Maryland governor Wes Moore. Today, operational offshore wind capacity is less than 50 megawatts versus the Biden-Harris Administration goal of 30,000 MW by 2030.

Ørsted

Denmark’s Ørsted, the worldwide leading offshore wind developer, recorded a $575 million loss in the second quarter. In part, the loss is the result of disappointing developments in the U.S.

The company has delayed commercial operation of its 704-MW Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut from 2025 to 2026. Ørsted’s ambitious U.S. offshore wind program has been lagging, despite solid support (subsidies, permits) from the Biden administration.

A year after an Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) auction for Gulf of Mexico leases failed to attract significant interest, BOEM continues to delay another attempt to find adequate bidders off the east coast.

Reuter’s summarized Ørsted’s issues:

Ørsted’s impairment losses also related to its Ocean Wind project in the United States whose development it halted last year, an increase in U.S. interest rates, and its decision to cease development of its green e-methanol FlagshipOne project, which was due to open in Sweden next year. Shares in Ørsted, once a green investor favourite, ended down 7.2%, having fallen as much as 9.3% earlier. They remain at less than one-third of their value since peaking in early 2021.

BOEM Auctions

In March, BOEM solicited interest in another Gulf of Mexico auction, which resulted in industry yawns. The agency stated on July 26th that it

received 25 comments in response to the March 2024 [Proposed Sale Notice], with one company expressing interest in participating. As a result, BOEM is cancelling this sale due to a lack of competitive interest. BOEM may decide to move forward with a lease sale at a future time, based on industry interest. —————

BOEM last week (Aug. 14) held a lease sale for the Mid-Atlantic region, off Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia with takers.

Norway’s Equinor Wind won a provisional lease for 101,443 acres some 26 nautical miles off Delaware for $75 million. Dominion Energy’s Virginia Electric and Power subsidiary won a provisional lease for 176,505 acres 35 miles off the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay for $18 million. Six companies participated in the auction.

The Equinor lease is not far from where Baltimore-based US Wind has a federal lease for a proposed two-phase, 2-GW project off Maryland’s Ocean City. BOEM last month (July 29) issued a final Environmental Impact Statement for the Maryland project. Maryland has also issued renewable energy certificates for the US Wind project.

US Wind, reports BOEM,

proposes to install up to 114 turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms, one meteorological tower, and up to four corridors for offshore export cables, which would make landfall in Delaware Seashore State Park. The lease area is approximately 8.7 nautical miles offshore Maryland and approximately 9 nautical miles offshore Sussex County, Delaware, at its closest points to shore.

US Wind, in partnership with Spain’s Haizea Windgroup, is also developing a plant to make monopile foundations for wind projects at Baltimore’s Sparrows Point, once the home of Bethlehem Steel when it was the world’s largest steel mill. According to the company

“Sparrows Point Steel is poised to become the best offshore wind heavy logistics and fabrication yard on the East Coast. Haizea’s depth of knowledge and expertise will cement Maryland’s role as a hub of offshore wind manufacturing in the U.S.”

MD Gov. Wes Moore vs. Critics

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore last week (Aug. 16) faced opponents of his aggressive push for offshore wind in Ocean City. Local TV station WBOC spoke to Moore about growing local opposition on the eastern shore of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Earlier in the month, Moore signed a memorandum of understanding with BOEM to open up more offshore federal land to wind development. Last year, Maryland passed a new law expanding the state’s goal for offshore wind development to 8.5 GW.

Moore told WBOC, “You’re talking about being able to power three million homes in the state of Maryland and turn us into a net exporter of clean energy. That’s exciting, it’s new jobs, it’s new opportunities.”

Many people on the Eastern Shore, particularly those who depend on the Chesapeake Bay for a living, see burgeoning wind farms as a potential disruption to their ways of life. Jimmy Hahn, an Ocean City area commercial fisherman, told the TV station, “They’re trying to steal our grounds, they’ve stolen our bottom, they’ve stolen the area that we fish in, their last resort is to buy the place where we sell our fish at and once they accomplish that we have nowhere else to work.”

Moore responded, “All those conversations have to happen with local leaders, it has to happen with local communities. There has to be measures of both transparency and accountability as to what we’re hoping for and what we’re going to achieve.”

Vineyard Wind: Yellow Flag

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has given Avangrid a yellow flag to continue limited work on its Vineyard Wind project off the Massachusetts coast.

BSEE shut down the 804-MW project last month following the failure of a 351-foot blade on one of its turbines, spreading debris widely to beaches on nearby Nantucket Island and as far as mainland beaches on Cape Cod. Reuters reported that the Interior Department agency last week (Aug. 13) confirmed the updated shutdown order, while Avangrid and blade maker G Vernova continue to investigate the cause of the massive blade failure.

“The updated suspension order still does not allow further blade installation or power production at this time, the companies said,” according to Reuters. Vineyard Wind and GE Vernova said they are removing portions of the damaged blade that remained on the wind turbine to remove risks of further ocean debris.

[maniwakpa]

Someone fucking pinch me

So I've been trying to get back in my field since 2019, my field being home/commercial renovation and interior design; it has been impossible to stay optimistic when you're putting in 7-10 applications a week and not even getting a rejection email. I had given up, I started working crappy fast food jobs and food service jobs, horribly depressed over how hard I was working only to scrape up 10k a year if that.

A couple weeks ago I got the idea that if I had a more structured schedule this manual labor wouldn't be so impactful, so I jumped through all the hoops to get a job with a school district in their "Nutrition Services" department.

I don't want to be a lunch lady. I cried myself to sleep for days over this, 13 years of my life in my career added up to being a lunch lady and it was devastating me. (Nothing wrong with working food service jobs, this is my personal qualm, not my opinion on food service workers as a people)

I was leaving my favorite coffee place last week and we passed a cute little granite and quartz showroom and they had a "now hiring" sign out front. At first I sighed and let it pass, no way they're going to be hiring me, my work history for the past 5 years has been shite. I couldn't forget it, and after another night of crying over being a lunch lady I decided what the hell... what is the worst they can do? Say no?

I realize, whoever reads my stupid rants on here, has probably already figured out I got the job, I start tomorrow and I don't have to be a lunch lady. I'm back in my field. Now, being the big sopping wet eyed cry baby that I am, I am still sobbing but it's joyful tears this time.

5 gott-damn-muthafookin-ding-dang years and I'm back bitches ahhhhhhhh!!!

[gaygoetia]

Background Details in Helluva Boss S1 E4 - C.H.E.R.U.B

This is actually my least favourite episode of Helluva Boss and it's another one without a huge number of background details but here are some of the things I picked up on:

1. The C.H.E.R.U.B Commercial

Among the montage of gruesome deaths shown in the commercial there's someone getting hit by a train with a face on it, probably referencing Thomas the Tank Engine.

There's also a poster in the background of the C.H.E.R.U.B offices saying "Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, so ditch your loser friends who you can't use - God". This aligns with the portrayal of Angels in Hazbin Hotel as arrogant and self obsessed.

2. The I.M.P Office (Interior)

Another episode with lots of great details on the office whiteboard including:

A horse themed mood board with little hearts around it

Some graphs and statistics which are vague overall but seem to indicate that the business isn't doing great

An illustrated re-creation of Robo Fizz getting eaten by that dragon/dinosaur thing in Episode 2, with an arrow pointing at it saying "HA!"

An illustration of an angry Verosika driving away, featuring the words "WALK BITCH!" - possibly this is a re-creation of the events of Episode 3.

We also see a poster of a young Blitzo and his sister Barbie Wire advertising them as "The Amazing Imp Twins" - with Blitzo notably lacking his signature white facial markings.

One of the things I find most interesting about this poster is the fact that Barbie's forehead tattoo is crossed out. As this is the tattoo that marks her as a member of Cash Buckzo's circus, I'd previously assumed she'd had it crossed out after leaving the circus, but it's clear from this poster that she did it while she was still working there.

This, combined with the fact that she's giving the middle finger in the poster, suggests that she wanted to distance herself from the circus even before the tragedy that killed her mother.

This is an interesting contrast to Blitzo who seems to have enjoyed being part of the circus and used to dream of opening up a circus of his own. The fact that this poster and similar ones are in his office at all also suggests that he's proud of his past in the circus, despite him changing his name to distance himself from it. He also might have this poster up as a way to feel close to Barbie, considering she no longer wants to associate with him.

3. Lyle Lipton's Bedroom

If you've seen the episode you probably remember Lyle talkng about his "one true love" while looking at a framed stock photo of money, but there are tons of similar pictures and statues throughout the room representing the concept of wealth via dollar signs and bags of money.

4. Blitzo's Text Messages

In-keeping with the running joke of Blitzo getting his clients names wrong, Loopty's name is saved in his phone as "Lupis"

We also see he's an enthusiastic emoji user with imp-versions of the crying laughing, party and levitating business man emojis in his message history.

We can also see that he has an upsetting number of unread messages.

5. Blitzo's Horse Thing

In addition to the horse mood board shown previously, we also see a poster in the I.M.P offices of a demonic horse and the words "Don't"

This episode also features Blitzo showing off his newest horse figurine: a weed-themed horse witha hat saying "Mare-ajuana"

That's it for episode 4 but you can see all my other Helluva Boss background details posts here.